Photomatix

[HoHoHo]

Now I understand HDR isn't everyone's cup of tea and the point of this thread isn't simply to say it's st and how 'proper photographers don't play with it' but I would value constructive comments please!

I've been to both Budapest and Istanbul over the last week on business and had a few moments to have a play with my camera which is probably the first opportunity I've had in a long time and I'd value comments from those who are interested in HDR!


Istanbul 2012 (25)-imp by Martin_Bennett, on Flickr


Budapest 2012 by Martin_Bennett, on Flickr


Istanbul 2012 (28)-imp by Martin_Bennett, on Flickr


Budapest 2012 by Martin_Bennett, on Flickr


Istanbul 2012 (26)-imp by Martin_Bennett, on Flickr

More here

I have deliberately pushed the HDR past the point I normally would and I quite like the results, penny for your thoughts.....

[GetCarter]

Honest opinion... you'll regret what you did to some decent photos. (i.e. murdered them, then dug them up and killed them again).

[HoHoHo]

GetCarter said:

Honest opinion... you'll regret what you did to some decent photos. (i.e. murdered them, then dug them up and killed them again).

I thought you'd say that!

I still have the originals if need be

[GetCarter]

HoHoHo said:

GetCarter said:

Honest opinion... you'll regret what you did to some decent photos. (i.e. murdered them, then dug them up and killed them again).

I thought you'd say that!

I still have the originals if need be

Hang on to them!

[markmullen]

Not my thing I'm afraid.

I occasionally use HDR myself but always aim that you won't be able to tell it is HDR'd, these are too far for me.

As GC says hang on to the originals and have a work at them, it won't be as easy as HDR to get right but it will be far better.

[paul911]

There not doing anything for me either Martin, far too OTT . Can I change the question around and ask you (or anyone) why you like them?

[HoHoHo]

Whilst they are a bit OTT, I simply liked the results for what they are - different!

The problem with having digital technology at your finger tips is that you do have ability to play and muck about and if you don't like it, you can go back to the original files and start again

[flat-planedCrank]

Not for me either I'm afriad

Sometimes a stylistic choice sure, but the heavy tone-mapped look doesn't do anything for me. As talked about previously, my brain tend to see 'the effect' rather than the subject of the photo.


Quite like the 'linear' HDR effects if used sparingly - something like reproducing the eyes/brains interpretation of a portrait against a sunset (without fill flash) can look good imo.


Think people new to post processing can get caught up with the idea that less shadow = better photo, where as some of the most iconic photos would be robbed of their drama if the shadows were 'removed'.


All imo of course

[anonymous-user]

I'm going to admit liking a bit of HDR now and again...

I also use Photomatix as it is pretty much the top end of HDR processing software.

It is quite flexiable and you can use it to either boost the living daylights out of an ordinary photo and make it look totally surreal, or you can use it very gently to just tease a bit more detail out.

Anyway, here are two Photomatix shots I took today

[RobDickinson]

I think you over did it.

I use photomatix a lot, generally with 3-5 or even 9 images 0.5 to 2 stops apart.

Theres no magic bullet for settings but the latest photomatix has some number of presets to start from and typically the photographic one is the place to start.

These recent ones are all photomatix.


Across the plains by robjdickinson, on Flickr


Another view by robjdickinson, on Flickr


little hagley springtime by robjdickinson, on Flickr

[flat-planedCrank]

RobDickinson said:

I think you over did it.

I use photomatix a lot, generally with 3-5 or even 9 images 0.5 to 2 stops apart.

Theres no magic bullet for settings but the latest photomatix has some number of presets to start from and typically the photographic one is the place to start.

These recent ones are all photomatix.


Across the plains by robjdickinson, on Flickr


Another view by robjdickinson, on Flickr


little hagley springtime by robjdickinson, on Flickr

Very nice indeed! Looks like a 'human eye equivalent' for each scene

[HoHoHo]

RobDickinson said:

I think you over did it.

I use photomatix a lot, generally with 3-5 or even 9 images 0.5 to 2 stops apart.

Theres no magic bullet for settings but the latest photomatix has some number of presets to start from and typically the photographic one is the place to start.

These recent ones are all photomatix.

I have deliberately over processed them, they are also all only 3 images 2 stops apart.

I think the black and white version of the Palace in Budapest as something about it, the others are totally OTT but I wanted that!

Ah well, each to their own I guess

[RobbieKB]

What Rob said! I over-processed 2 images a couple of years ago and thought I liked the result but now, every time I see them I'm sick a little in my mouth and deeply regret my, albeit short, HDR phase.

Definitely hang on to the orignials until you have got through this difficult time.

[Citrus7]

Less is more as they say, if it's HDR. I've had a dabble (still far from perfected) and find it useful for when I use a compact camera as follows



Would rather have a full frame SLR for such a shot and nail the shot in 1 photo, but I was on a hoon at the time

Another of a mates car when out



IMO a spot on HDR is when you believe the shot is non HDR ,but with perfect lighting. Easier said than done !

Just my 2p worth

Dave

Edited by Citrus7 on Monday 15th October 10:48

[K12beano]

I'm not a big fan of extensive and intense use of HDR, but I do like using Photomatix for blending layers. It's quite simple and you don't need theory and formula - you just take an image and play until you like the result.





I was messing around one evening showing a mate what you can do - and he suddenly piped up that this seemed really good to him:


Dorset Sunset-4 by Beano!, on Flickr

Personally, I don't like that so much and much prefer....



Dorset Sunset-3 by Beano!, on Flickr


But just goes to show it takes all sort!

[crimbo]

Having seen some recent shots my friend has done, I think it can be outstanding. I can understand why pro's don't like it as they feel they could get a better image one there own but some shots in HDR are just sublime

[Otispunkmeyer]

Might have another go with photomatix... I remember never being able to get anything that didn't look like a dogs dinner from it.

[14-7]

Just in time!


A-photographers-learning-curve by 14-7, on Flickr

[RobDickinson]

crimbo said:

Having seen some recent shots my friend has done, I think it can be outstanding. I can understand why pro's don't like it as they feel they could get a better image one there own but some shots in HDR are just sublime

What makes you think pro's dont use it?